CEO of Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise arrested
Ethiopian Federal Police have arrested Esmaelalem Mihretu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise (EPSE).
The arrest took place in early March 2026 and forms part of a wider government effort to address irregularities in the country’s oil sector. Authorities are investigating matters related to oil procurement processes and the management of local fuel storage facilities.
The move comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal fuel trade and related offences in Ethiopia, which has seen over 650 people, including some government officials, detained in recent weeks. The Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise plays a key role in importing, storing, and distributing petroleum products across the country. Officials say the action is intended to improve transparency and tackle smuggling and other illicit activities affecting fuel supply.
This development reflects growing efforts by Ethiopian authorities to bring order to the energy sector, especially at a time when the country continues to face fuel shortages and related economic challenges. No formal charges have been publicly detailed yet, but the case is expected to be closely followed as investigations proceed. The arrest has drawn attention across the region, with many noting similar actions against energy sector leaders in neighbouring countries in recent months.
